iTunes 10.2 released with iPad 2, iOS 4.3 support

Few people were surprised yesterday when Apple pulled back the curtain on the iPad 2, an announcement that had been rumored and strongly hinted at in the weeks leading up to the press event. Company boss Steve Jobs also used the gathering as an opportunity to officially launch iOS 4.3, the latest update to Apple’s mobile operating system. With two key updates to the company’s catalog announced, an equally important third one couldn’t be far behind: a new version of iTunes.

Well it wasn’t. Apple released iTunes 10.2 late yesterday to prepare for the coming upgrades. There isn’t an awful lot that’s new in this update, though you’ll need it to manage your device’s media if you plan to jump on iOS 4.3. The 10.2 release notes list just two bullet points: “Sync with your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch with iOS 4.3” and “Improved Home Sharing. Browse and play from your iTunes libraries with Home Sharing on any iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch with iOS 4.3.” Very straightforward stuff.

Home Sharing is one of the new features supported in iOS 4.3, which also adds Personal Hotspot support, AirPlay enhancements and improved Safari performance. The operating system upgrade arrives next week on Friday, March 11 alongside the iPad 2.